San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks 6 June 2026 Prediction

The first game of the final series between San Antonio and New York gave us the first unexpected result. The Knicks earned an important road win (105-95) and moved one step closer to the title (1-0). Will Wembanyama and company struggle late again in Game 2?

San Antonio Lacked Creativity on Offense

For the first time in franchise history, the Spurs failed to open a final series with a win. San Antonio looked solid until the fourth quarter, which Mitch Johnson’s team lost 29-19. The Spurs’ offensive issues were already visible in the first half, and after halftime they became even clearer. Fox had a poor game, shooting 3-for-13 from the field, Vassell finished with a modest 9 points, and leader Wembanyama had only an average game by his standards. Yes, Victor scored 26 points, but 12 of them came from the free-throw line. From the field, the Frenchman scored only 14 points on 28.6% shooting. It felt like the Spurs were still mentally in the Oklahoma series, where they had to spend a lot of energy to advance. If things do not change in the next game, Wembanyama will have to try to save the finals from a 0-2 deficit.

Wembanyama has scored at least 20 points in eight straight games.

San Antonio Predicted Lineup: Fox — Castle, Vassell — Champagnie, Wembanyama

Out: Jones-Garcia (injury)

Manager: Mitch Johnson

New York’s Winning Streak Continues

The Game 1 win over San Antonio was already the 12th straight victory for Mike Brown’s team. In the third quarter, the Knicks trailed by 14 points, and it looked like the Spurs were in control. But Brunson had other plans. As usual, Jalen stepped up late and finished the game with 30 points.

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“He’s a real fighter. In the biggest moments, he shows his best side. That is exactly what MVPs are supposed to do,” Knicks manager Mike Brown said after the road win.

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Still, New York did not play perfect basketball. The Knicks had some difficult stretches when Wembanyama was on the floor, but immediately cut into the deficit when the Frenchman went to the bench. By the end of the game, the tired Spurs could no longer keep up, while Brunson looked like he still had enough energy for a few more clutch possessions.

Brunson is averaging 27.8 points per game in the playoffs, and he has scored 30+ points in three of his last five games.

New York Predicted Lineup: Brunson — Hart, Bridges — Anunoby, Towns

Out: —

Manager: Mike Brown

What to Know

• San Antonio won the first quarter in 9 of its last 10 home games.
• New York has won the second half in 13 straight games.
• This season, New York has won 3 of 4 games against San Antonio, and every win came by double digits.

In-Series Adjustments

An interesting note: in each of the three playoff rounds so far, San Antonio was tied 1-1 after Game 2. This is the second time this season that Mitch Johnson’s team has opened a series with a loss. The first came after a home defeat against Minnesota, after which the Spurs responded with two wins.

New York, meanwhile, has started every round with a win. In two of the three cases, the Knicks also won Game 2. The only exception was against Atlanta, although even there they had a chance to win (106-107). Mike Brown’s team is unlikely to suddenly relax in the next matchup.

San Antonio vs New York Prediction: New York +5.5 Handicap at 1.99

• Main prediction: San Antonio still needs time to adjust after the Western Conference final. Oklahoma played a very different style of basketball, and the Spurs gradually adapted to it. But so far, Mitch Johnson’s team has not been able to slow down a much-improved New York side. The Knicks were ready both to defend against Wembanyama’s size and to limit the supporting scorers. San Antonio needs steady production from Champagnie, Castle, and Vassell to have a real chance. New York has far more reliable offensive options, and Mike Brown’s team is also very strong defensively. We are backing New York +5.5 handicap at 1.99.
• Total prediction: The Knicks’ defense deserves credit, as the team allowed no more than 108 points in 11 of 12 games during its winning streak. San Antonio, which ranks third in playoff scoring with 114.2 points per game, also struggled in Game 1 and finished with only 95 points. The Knicks lead the playoffs in scoring at 118.9 points per game, but they are unlikely to take unnecessary risks on the road. The cost of a mistake is too high, so we expect a more controlled game and will take Under 215.5 at 1.93.
• High-odds prediction: San Antonio is always active early: the Spurs average 31.3 points in the first quarter this season. The Knicks are certainly aware of that, especially after San Antonio took control early in Game 1. Brunson and company are likely to be more aggressive from the opening seconds this time, so we will take highest-scoring quarter — first at 3.60.